Mississippi Resident Fatally Shoots Escaped Monkey Amid Safety Concerns

A Mississippi woman shot and killed an escaped rhesus monkey near her home, citing concerns for her children's safety. Jessica Bond Ferguson, a resident near Heidelberg, Mississippi, was alerted by her 16-year-old son early Sunday about a monkey in their yard. She retrieved her firearm and, upon seeing the monkey approximately 60 feet away, fired her gun. Bond Ferguson stated, "I did what any other mother would do to protect her children."

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a homeowner had found one of the escaped monkeys on their property and that the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks took possession of the animal.

The incident follows a truck accident on Interstate 59 near Heidelberg, where a vehicle carrying 21 rhesus monkeys overturned, resulting in the escape of several animals. Authorities reported that most of the monkeys were killed, with three initially believed to have escaped. Tulane University, which had housed the monkeys at its National Biomedical Research Center, clarified that the animals did not belong to the university and were not being transported by them. The university also stated that the monkeys had recently received checkups confirming they were pathogen-free.

Rhesus monkeys, typically weighing around 16 pounds, are among the most medically studied animals and are known for their adaptability and intelligence. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks noted that these monkeys "are known to be aggressive."